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Mijares already feeling at home with Giants

ST. LOUIS -- Jose Mijares admits he was surprised to learn earlier this week he was leaving Kansas City. But as he laughed and joked around with his new teammates in the Giants' clubhouse Wednesday afternoon, Mijares was finding himself feeling right at home with his new club.

"I'm thankful for the team, thankful for the staff, thankful for everybody," Mijares said. "It's a good team."

The 27-year-old left-handed reliever was claimed off waivers from the Royals on Monday and arrived at Busch Stadium just before game time Tuesday night. Mijares is one of handful of Giants players hailing from Venezuela, and he has played with or against many of the others.

Mijares played with Pablo Sandoval's brother, Michael, in the Twins' Minor League system and has also faced Gregor Blanco and Marco Scutaro in winter ball.

"There's a lot of connections with Latin American players here. Lots of good guys," Mijares said.

Mijares has been exceptionally good against lefties in his career, holding them to a .214 batting average. He said it's his hard-breaking slider that makes him so successful against lefties, while his sinker is reserved for right-handers.

While Mijares was projected to be a lefty specialist for San Francisco, manager Bruce Bochy said Mijares will face righties as well.

"He may stay out there if we need the work," Bochy said.

ST. LOUIS -- Jose Mijares admits he was surprised to learn earlier this week he was leaving Kansas City. But as he laughed and joked around with his new teammates in the Giants' clubhouse Wednesday afternoon, Mijares was finding himself feeling right at home with his new club.

"I'm thankful for the team, thankful for the staff, thankful for everybody," Mijares said. "It's a good team."

The 27-year-old left-handed reliever was claimed off waivers from the Royals on Monday and arrived at Busch Stadium just before game time Tuesday night. Mijares is one of handful of Giants players hailing from Venezuela, and he has played with or against many of the others.

Mijares played with Pablo Sandoval's brother, Michael, in the Twins' Minor League system and has also faced Gregor Blanco and Marco Scutaro in winter ball.

"There's a lot of connections with Latin American players here. Lots of good guys," Mijares said.

Mijares has been exceptionally good against lefties in his career, holding them to a .214 batting average. He said it's his hard-breaking slider that makes him so successful against lefties, while his sinker is reserved for right-handers.

While Mijares was projected to be a lefty specialist for San Francisco, manager Bruce Bochy said Mijares will face righties as well.